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ShouId I try a passive preamp?

Pio1980 said:
None, as long as your source(s) can wdrive a ca 5-8k load. Low output levels and reduced low end response is the worst that can happen.
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My experience suggests otherwise. I happily used passive attenuators for about ten years that checked all the boxes: low output Z of CDP-75 ohms, 4V output, 10k DACT stepped attenuators using low cap interconnects feeding amp with 200k input Z. Very transparent. But did not deliver the low level dynamics of current active preamp.

It is a very cost effective solution, but not ideal IMHO. Having said that, the garage system DAC drives the power amp directly via balanced cables. Gain controlled via digital playback software.
 
E-Stat said:
Having said that, the garage system DAC drives the power amp directly via balanced cables. Gain controlled via digital playback software.
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I've done the same from time to time, which circles back to this recebt thread about whether or not a preamp is even necessary: https://audiokarma.org/forums/index...or-not-to-preamp-that-is-the-question.900362/

The obvious answer is yes for a CDP with fixed output, like the case of the OP. As an aside, I'm somewhat leery of not having some sort of physical limiter between the source and amp, but that's just me.
 
So, what would be the ideal system for a passive preamp?

CDP as a source, speakers that give the perfect response for the room and musical style thus no need for loudness or tone control, no need for balance, an amp with lots of headroom?
 
Easily the best passive pre I've tried is the Schiit Saga. Significantly better than the Khozmo one I tried which used a shunt type design. Sucked all the dynamics out. The Saga being a resistor ladder based design has a lovely transparent and wide sound stage which is mirrored by my Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL 3 which also uses a resistor ladder for attenuation.
 
Been liking it. I got 3 of them. I don't think the active preamps were bringing much to the table above what the passive preamp can do, considering how I was using them (wasn't using loudness, balance, tone controls etc..). That said, using an active preamp was pointless....less is best.

Schiit SYS

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